Page 100 of Kit
“Laurence,” Kit said, “Nick mentioned you are seeking swordplay lessons. I have taught many students, and I would be happy to teach you as well, if you would like?”
Connor grinned. Laurence’s eyes widened in interest as the ice around him thawed, arms dropping from his chest into a more open pose. He met Kit’s eyes, interest turning into excitement. “Really?” he asked. “Would you actually?”
Kit nodded.
Laurence’s mouth opened, but he caught himself, eyes flicking to Nick and narrowing. “You’re not going to stop him?”
“I’m not,” Nick said, amused.
“Even though you freaked about me taking driving lessons? And surfing lessons?” Laurence challenged.
“I’ve seen Kit teaching children half your size. He knows what he’s doing.”
It seemed to dawn on Laurence that the offer was genuine, and there would be no objections. He sprang up. “Now?” he directed at Kit. “Would that be okay?”
Kit blinked, slightly surprised by the quick change but not taken aback. Nick had painted the picture of his little brother as a deeply feeling, passionate young man. Kit nodded. “We can do a lesson while breakfast is prepared.” He scanned Laurence’s body, assessing. His jump from the boat when he first arrived in Aridia and his landing indicated natural athleticism, and though Laurence might not be inherently strong, Kit could fashion him into a graceful, nimble fighter. He said as much, and Laurence stared at Kit with a look he was accustomed to: a student’s devotion.
“I’ll change real quick.” Laurence raced below deck.
“Well played,” Connor remarked.
Nick shrugged, hands full of strange items that Mini was peering into his arms to examine. “He was already over it. He just needed something to focus on besides being worried.”
“Who are we talking about here?”
Nick dropped his stash into Mini’s arms and chucked something from the pile at Connor. Connor’s arm snapped up to catch the bright red fruit. He grinned at Nick. “Still, very smart. And what bribe has he told you to offer me, Kit?” Piercing grey eyes slid to Kit, but their intensity was softened by a friendly, open expression. Connor offered an encouraging smile, and the pressure of a looming ocean dissipated from Kit’s shoulders.
“I have procured adventure novels for you to read,” Kit said.
Connor hummed, apparently pleased by the offering. “Smart one, our Nick.”
“I have my moments.”
“And for Dad?” Connor asked.
“Dad’s going to adore him,” Nick said confidently. “Unlikeyourboyfriend,mineisn’t going to growl and shoot him constant dirty looks.” Nick hefted a box from his pile, while Mini carried the food. His intelligent eyes watched the exchanges, no doubt judging for himself just how bonded the family was.
“Are you coming?” Nick asked Connor.
“I wouldn’t miss Laurence trying to swing a sword around for the world. I bet a tenner he gives up in five minutes and switches to something else. Archery.”
“He stuck with the surfing,” Nick disagreed.
“He stuck with the surfing because Bee and Dew always join him.”
“Fine then, you’re on. Swordplay will be the next obsession, ten euros,” Nick agreed.
To Kit’s surprise, Connor went to the boxes and lifted one. “You said the house is next to the river, right? Adonis will go around that way. He’ll find Laurence swinging a sword around even funnier than I will.”
“Two jerks, the pair of you.”
Nick dodged a kick from Connor with a laugh.
Laurence reappeared and hefted a small box from the pile. Kit took a heavier one and walked side by side with Nick ahead of them all.
“You doing okay?” Nick checked.
Kit thought about his answer. “Things are more relaxed between you than I anticipated.”
